DC softball slugs out first win, splits first day at Pioneer Classic

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. – Defiance College softball picked up their first win of the season during the first day of the Pioneer Classic after bouncing back from an 11-1 loss to George Fox by taking down DePauw, 10-5. 

Game 1
Final: George Fox 11, Defiance 1 (5 inn)
Win: Kister (1-2)
Loss: Savannah McCoy (0-5)
Save: None
Box Score: Click here

In the first game of the day, Defiance started off strong against George Fox with a run in the top of the first. Marissa Roberts led the game off with a double and Josilyn Guzman knocked her home with an RBI double. 

However, it wasn't enough against the Bruins (6-9) who went on to score two in the home half of the inning on their way to run-ruling the Yellow Jackets (0-11), 11-1. 

Savannah McCoy (Loss, 0-5) shouldered the loss while recording five strikeouts and just three earned runs. McCoy also crossed 100 career strikeouts in her 36th career outing. George Fox's bats were on fire, highlighted by a five-run fifth. The Bruins hit two homers, two doubles and one triple among 11 total hits.

Game 2
Final: Defiance 10, DePauw 5
Win: Anika Craft (1-4)
Loss: Riley Magoon (0-2)
Save: None
Box Score: Click here

Things took a joyous turn when the Jackets played DePauw in their second game of the day. Pitcher Anika Craft (Win, 1-4) led the swarm for their first win of the season. She had a crucial part in the win, both on the field and at the plate. She went 3-for-5 with the bat and recorded 8 strikeouts for a complete-game victory in the circle. Craft also surpassed 100 career strikeouts during the eight punchout performance.

Craft also had uplifting hits by her teammates. Josilyn Guzman had a major role when she tied the game in the bottom of the third by crushing a solo homer over the center field fence to electrify the DC rally. Anna Emswiler notched the first of her four RBIs just a few batters later to put the Jackets on top for good.

Defiance also put up crooked numbers in the fourth and fifth to post 10 runs on the board. Emswiler brought home two more on a fourth-inning fielder's choice in the fourth and an RBI single during the fifth frame.

The Yellow Jackets conclude the spring break journey on Sunday with an 11:30 a.m. meeting against Asbury University followed by a 1:30 p.m. contest against Wittenberg University. 

-JACKETS-